Synergy in Safety (SiS)
Sponsored Article by KBA
Like a jigsaw puzzle, the combined efforts of various individuals and departments affect the synergy in an organisation. Every individual is unique. However, their experiences, perspectives and talents contribute to synergy in the workplace. How can this be contextualised in relation to workplace safety? A higher awareness of safety in the workplace, an increase in workplace human factor awareness, increased efficiencies, collaboration, reduction in lost time or workplace incidents, injuries and fatalities, all of these would be the results of a synergised team.
Every individual in an organisation plays an integral part in its operations from its product development to deliverables, and the overarching culture of workplace safety within the organisation. In reality, as a team, we should not have to consider workplace safety. As humans and with a culture of care, it should be built into the way things are done! Sadly, this is not the case. Often, there are issues with co-operation between departments or with team members who would say they did not receive the necessary information to complete their job responsibilities, or when a team member endangers their life and those of their co-workers when they do not follow pre-informed work instructions and safety procedures. At the heart of this is the organisation’s workplace culture and values which bind groups of people, not just within an organisation together for a common purpose and goal, but in connecting the organisation, and how the customer perceives the organisation.
Why is a synergised team important? Workplace safety is everyone’s responsibility, but this involves more than one person. It takes teamwork. In today’s highly competitive industry, it is important to have a high-performing team. This is often difficult due to different personalities, generational or cultural differences, or sometimes, conflicting agendas. Here are some recommendations to promote better teamwork and synergy:
- Communication – Creating two-way open conversations with your team.
- Listening – Gaining better feedback on how things are going, identifying hazards, and preventing accidents. A ‘safe environment culture’ will give team members the confidence that their ideas and contribution will not be rejected, or for revealing mistakes.
- Involvement – A leader should be seen and present on the work site.
- Recognition – Recognise employees whose job responsibilities have helped achieve the organisation’s goals.
- Review and focus – Constantly review the organisation’s culture, values, goals, and safety mission for team effectiveness.
- Coaching – Use the power of coaching in the workplace and with the employees for personal development.
Any leader in the safety industry will agree that teamwork plays a key role in preventing lost time and workplace incidents. Leaders in today’s complex work environment have the daunting task of leading their teams. It is important to constantly keep the various teams and departments engaged to ensure that they are synergised. An engaged team builds a productive work culture which eventually leads to an increase in the level of discretionary effort from team members to be more open to discussion on issues and offering solutions. A team effort working towards a common purpose and goal leads to a positive safety performance which ultimately reflects on an organisation’s reputation and the leadership team.
About KBA Training Centre Pte Ltd
Established in 2006, KBAT has been at the forefront in providing training for the offshore, inland/inshore and the health and safety sector. KBA Training is the premier venue for International and nationally accredited training and is positioned to offer integrated specialist solutions for consultancy and training to the onshore, wind/renewable energy and offshore industry. Website: www.kbatraining.org
